Basalt Lab — BlogNotes on strength training and on tracking it, from the team building Basalt Lab for iPhone and Apple Watch.https://basaltlab.app/blogen-usHow many sets per muscle per weekhttps://basaltlab.app/blog/how-many-sets-per-weekhttps://basaltlab.app/blog/how-many-sets-per-weekBetween 10 and 20 hard sets per muscle per week: that is the range that keeps coming up in research and among coaches. How to count yours, how to spread them out, and when adding more stops helping.Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTtraining basicsvolumeWhen to add weight: one simple rule is enoughhttps://basaltlab.app/blog/when-to-add-weighthttps://basaltlab.app/blog/when-to-add-weightMove up one step when you hit the top of your rep range on every set, two sessions in a row, with your technique unchanged. The signals to watch, how much to add, and what to do when it stalls.Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTtraining basicsprogressionPlate calculator: what to load on the barhttps://basaltlab.app/blog/plate-calculatorhttps://basaltlab.app/blog/plate-calculatorEnter your target load, pick your bar, and read the plates to put on each side. Adjustable plate set, closest load when the exact one is impossible, and the table of common loads from 40 to 200 kg.Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTtoolstraining basicsProgressive overload: the only principle that actually makes you progresshttps://basaltlab.app/blog/progressive-overloadhttps://basaltlab.app/blog/progressive-overloadProgressive overload means asking your body for a little more than last time, session after session. The definition, the five levers, the simple rule to apply it, the pace for your level and the mistakes that make it fail.Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTtraining basicsprogression1RM calculator: estimate your max without testing ithttps://basaltlab.app/blog/1rm-calculatorhttps://basaltlab.app/blog/1rm-calculatorEnter a set you did, read your estimated max and the loads to use for any number of reps. Epley and Brzycki formulas, warm-up ramp, and when a real max test is worth it.Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTtoolstraining basicsProgressive overload starts with rememberinghttps://basaltlab.app/blog/progressive-overload-starts-with-rememberinghttps://basaltlab.app/blog/progressive-overload-starts-with-rememberingAsking your body for a little more only works if you know what you asked for last time. What to write down after a set, and why memory is not enough.Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTtraining basicsReps in reserve is a decision, not a feelinghttps://basaltlab.app/blog/reps-in-reserve-is-a-decisionhttps://basaltlab.app/blog/reps-in-reserve-is-a-decisionStopping a set two reps short only helps if you decide it before the set, not after. How to use reps in reserve without turning every session into guesswork.Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTtraining basicsintensity